Strategies against cancer and other non-communicable diseases

Using nutrition labelling and reformulation of processed foods as important building blocks

A big part of the burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) could be avoided through effective preventive measures. The EU Joint Action “Prevent Non-Communicable Diseases” (PreventNCD) addresses this challenge. The aim is to promote strategies and political measures that target both personal and societal risk factors and to implement them as permanently as possible.

An important approach in the field of nutrition is improving the nutritional environment, for example by reformulating processed foods towards less sugar, fat, salt and energy content. With the Nutri-Score – the official front-of-pack labelling also in Germany – in mind, gold standards for studies will be developed to assess the impact of such formats on industry and consumers. In this regard, the MRI will contribute knowledge from the previous Joint Action Best-ReMaP as well as in product monitoring and nutritional labelling. In addition, the institute is actively involved in the dissemination and communication of PreventNCD and in the implementation of a sustainability strategy in order to establish the preventive measures long term.
 

Developing effective prevention strategies

The main objective of PreventNCD is to develop effective prevention strategies and measures against NCDs. It also aims to improve the monitoring system for cancer and other chronic diseases and to reduce social inequalities. Through the cooperation of key stakeholders, evidence-based prevention strategies can be planned and implemented at national, regional and local levels. This will involve decision-makers at all levels of government as well as civil society organisations, professionals, patient groups and the general population.
 

European Joint Action

Under the coordination of the Norwegian Directorate of Health, 25 European countries and numerous other participants are involved in PreventNCD. More than €76 million will be available over the four-year project period (2024-2027). In addition to the MRI, four other research institutions in Germany engage in PreventNCD: the Federal Institute of Public Health (BIÖG), the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the University Hospital of Würzburg (UKW) and the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology (BIPS).

If successfully implemented, PreventNCD will lead to a reduction of the burden of disease in Europe and thereby have a comprehensive positive impact on a social, societal and economic level that will extend far beyond the project duration.